November 17, 2015
(Photo credit: Caitlin Wolf/Center for Inspired Teaching)
On November 10th, Real World History students had an opportunity to effect change in their schools when they met with the High School Credit Flexibility Task Force at Ballou High School in Washington, DC.
Composed of classroom educators, school administrators, and state Board of Education members, the Task Force first convened in September 2015 to discuss possible changes to credit recognition in DC Public Schools. Inspired Teaching’s Cosby Hunt, the Real World History course instructor, is also a member of the Task Force.
After months of research and convening to discuss options, the Task Force asked Real World History students and two other DC Public School students to share their opinions about possible changes. Breaking off into groups, Task Force members and students discussed potential amendments. The students gave their opinions and reactions to the proposals and also spoke before the whole Task Force to share their small group’s conclusions, practicing their oral advocacy skills and engaging with community leaders as thoughtful citizens.
The Task Force will submit their final findings and recommendations to the State Board of Education, which will then make recommendations to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Finally, the proposed changes will be open for public review and comment for 30 days before becoming official policy.